Burton demoted, Alonso to Carolina

To make room on the roster for Edinson Volquez’s return from the DL, reliever Jared Burton was told on Monday he was being optioned to Triple-A Louisville.

In 20 appearances, Burton has a 6.33 ERA. Of his 10 inherited runners, seven have scored. It’s been rough especially the last few outings. He’s allowed six earned runs over his last four innings.

“We know he has the stuff. We’ve seen it,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said of Burton. “They’re going to try and pitch him a lot. Sometime when you’re not doing what you know you can do, it’s a natural thing to lose confidence. We want him to go back, get his act together, come back and throw the way we know he can throw and come back with confidence and conviction.

“If he pitches the way he’s capable of pitching, it will be a temporary situation.”

In other situations, newcomer Carlos Fisher might have been the likely choice simply because of his lack of tenure. But Fisher has pitched too well since his call-up from Louisville to go back down.

Because of Josh Hamilton, many overlook that Burton was the other Rule 5 draft pick the Reds took in 2007. He emerged that season as a tough eighth-inning set-up guy and before he strained a lat muscle last summer, was even nastier against opponent.

“Hopefully you all know I’m not pitching the way that I can pitch,” Burton said. “For some reason, it’s just a little mental thing. I have to get a little confidence going and have some things go my way and get locked back in. I know what I can do. I know how much I can help the team when I pitch the way I’m capable of pitching.”

In other news, Willy Taveras still has a sore right hamstring but could appear later in the game. He should be back Tuesday. IF/OF Jerry Hairston is not playing Monday becuase of flu-like symptoms.

Put me in the camp that does not believe Alonso should be promoted while Votto is out. Tearing it up at the Florida State League is a far cry from the big leagues. Had Alonso been posting those numbers at Double-A, I’d have no problem with him jumping two levels. Three levels? No. He was only Drafted this time last year. You don’t bring a guy in his situation up as a stopgap. When he comes up, it should be either as a September call-up or for good.

5 Comments

I’m thankful Burton was chosen to be demoted, I think this is a good move. I love the guy, I think he’s an awesome setup guy (and possibly someday a closer if he reaches his potential), but he’s been absolutely ineffective of late. Like he said, it’s a little mental thing, and I believe if he can get a good amount of work down in Louisville, he’s going to be a great asset for us down the stretch this year. That’s what the minors are for. And if Bray can get rolling down there too, things would be looking really good for us in the bullpen later this season. Now, if we can somehow figure out how to keep our offense consistent…

What happens next April when we have Alonso and hopefully Votto both ready to play 1st base? It is hard to imagine a trade. Any word on a possible position switch for either? The future definitely looks bright with Phillips, Votto, Bruce, Cueto, Volquez, and Masset plus Frazier, Heisey, Stubbs, and Alonso waiting in the wings. Go Reds!

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